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Department of Physical Education, Wellness, and Sport

Faculty

Gary Johnson (1994). University Professor of Physical Education and Department Chair. B.S., Union University; M.S., University of Memphis; D.A., Middle Tennessee State University. 

Kelly Elliott (2004). Assistant Professor of Physical Education. B.A., King College; M.A., East Tennessee State University; M.Ed., University of Louisville.  

Mission Statement

The Department of Physical Education, Wellness, and Sport strives to instill in students a lifetime desire to serve church and society through the mediums of physical activity, exercise, and sport. Our task is to introduce students to knowledge and skills in order to develop a healthy lifestyle for optimum living and service.

Curriculum

The Department believes physical education to be that part of the total educational program which adds its unique contribution through the medium of activity or movement. The Department emphasizes the acquisition of motor skills as of value for lifetime physical recreation activities, the development of socially desirable habits and attitudes, and knowledge, which contribute to the overall aims of education.

Aims of the Department are:

  1. To prepare physical educators, coaches, and exercise science professionals for many career channels; and
  2. To foster scientific knowledge and behavioral attitudes for optimum development of health through fitness; and
  3. To prepare students for post-baccalaureate education; and
  4. To develop physical skills for lifetime use; and
  5. To cultivate socially desirable characteristics through physical activity; and
  6. To offer wholesome recreation that encourages character development.

More specifically, the Department has as its center the philosophy to develop a greater quality of life for all people. To ensure this, the faculty stress leadership and communication through each program offered. Growth and development of each individual should occur when exposed to physical activity, exercise, and sport. The department also aims to teach the value of the meaningful use of leisure time to improve personal wellness and serve church and society. Exercise Science majors are taught how to produce prescriptive personal lifestyle programs.

The Department offers majors in Physical Education leading to Teacher Licensure or Exercise Science. The Physical Education Major requires the completion of the Professional Education Minor as noted below.

Assessment of Majors

Physical Education and Exercise Science majors are assessed in multiple classes during their curriculum to assure progress toward learning outcomes. Students must score 80% or better on each assessment to demonstrate mastery of each course. Courses that are currently assessed are PEWS 414, PEWS 415, PEWS 433, and PEWS 461. Data collection for these assessments is the responsibility of the PEWS department chair. Annual reporting to the Provost's office takes place at the end of each academic year.

Student Organization

Sigma Delta is an academic fraternity that desires to improve scholarship and professional development among physical education students. Membership is open to any student attending Union who is seeking a degree (major or minor) in physical education or related field. To be eligible, a student must have completed at least one semester of college work with a 2.75 overall GPA and 3.25 in physical education.

Student Awards

Academic medals will be given to the outstanding graduate in each PEWS discipline. Faculty will vote when multiple students are eligible for the academic achievement medal for a discipline. Students are honored at awards day in the spring, or at the graduation ceremony for December or summer graduates.